Directed by Matthew Vaughn, Argylle marks a vivid departure from the typical spy thriller, infusing the genre with a vibrant palette and a spectacle that is both flamboyant and exhilarating. Known for his work in the Kingsman series, Vaughn’s latest venture showcases his unique ability to blend high-octane action with a more whimsical, visually striking approach.
Once Again Redefining Action Heroes
One of Vaughn’s most notable achievements in Argylle is his uncanny ability to transform actors not traditionally known for action roles into legitimate powerhouses of the genre. Vaughn’s talent lies in his eye for potential – seeing the latent action hero in performers where others might not. Bryce Dallas Howard and Sam Rockwell, primarily recognized for their dramatic prowess, are reinvented under Vaughn’s direction. Howard, especially, is a revelation, displaying a range of physicality and intensity that is both surprising and thrilling. Rockwell, with his natural charm and wit, brings a grounded, realistic approach to the action, adding a layer of authenticity to his performance.
Vaughn’s skillful direction and vision breathe new life into these actors, allowing them to showcase their versatility and range. He doesn’t just cast actors in roles; he molds them into characters that are larger than life, yet entirely believable. His ability to do so is not just a testament to his skill as a director but also speaks volumes of his trust and understanding of his actors’ capabilities.
In Argylle, Matthew Vaughn has once again proven why he is one of the most dynamic and innovative directors working today. His capacity to blend genres, to take risks with his storytelling, and his knack for redefining actors’ on-screen personas make him a true auteur of modern cinema. Vaughn doesn’t just make movies; he crafts experiences that resonate, entertain, and often, redefine what’s possible in film. With Argylle, he continues to push boundaries, ensuring his place as a visionary director who continually raises the bar in cinematic storytelling.
Sometimes The Pen is a Mighty Sword
At the heart of Argylle are Bryce Dallas Howard and Sam Rockwell, who step out of their traditional roles to deliver some of the most unexpectedly riveting action performances in recent memory. Howard, as Elly Conway, is a revelation. Known for her more dramatic roles, she seamlessly shifts between the layers of her character, blurring the lines between reality and fiction with a deftness that anchors the film’s more fantastical elements. Her portrayal brings depth to Elly, allowing audiences to navigate the complex layers of Vaughn’s narrative.
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Sam Rockwell’s transformation into the action sphere is equally impressive. His portrayal of Aidan is both authentic and engaging, lending a sense of realism to the high-octane action. Rockwell brings a tangible groundedness to his character, making the action sequences more than just visually stunning – they’re emotionally resonant.
The Cast is Obviously Having Hella Fun
The supporting cast brings a delightful over-the-top energy that complements the film’s tone perfectly. Henry Cavill, John Cena, and Samuel L. Jackson clearly enjoy their roles, each delivering performances filled with charisma and a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment of the film’s playful spirit. Their contributions ensure that every scene is imbued with a magnetic charm, elevating the film’s entertainment value.
Music and Settings: A Feast for the Senses
The auditory and visual elements of Argylle are in a league of their own. The film’s dive into disco adds an infectious rhythm that perfectly complements its vibrant settings. The soundtrack is not just background music; it’s an integral part of the storytelling, accentuating the film’s emotional beats and enhancing its overall impact.
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The settings, ranging from bustling urban landscapes to serene natural backdrops, are a visual feast. These breathtaking locations, combined with the film’s bold color palette, create a world that’s as alluring as it is dangerous – a perfect playground for this new breed of spies.
Navigating the Flaws
While Argylle is a feast for the senses, it’s not without its blemishes. The film’s use of green screen backgrounds is occasionally too conspicuous, which can momentarily pull viewers out of its otherwise immersive world.
Additionally, some of the film’s gimmicks, although initially charming, become overused, and certain scenes drag on longer than necessary. A more concise edit, trimming unnecessary excess, would have given the film a sharper narrative focus, potentially elevating it to the heights achieved by Vaughn’s earlier works.
Light in Thought, Heavy in Enjoyment
Despite these critiques, Argylle remains a thoroughly enjoyable ride. It’s a film that embraces its identity, providing audiences with a blend of action, humor, and spectacle. A particularly memorable scene, seemingly paying homage to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, is a testament to the film’s playful approach and its willingness to engage with pop culture in fun and unexpected ways.
The Intrigue Never Ends
Adding to the film’s allure is a mid-credits scene that leaves audiences with more questions than answers, especially in its connection to the film’s ending. This strategic ambiguity is clever, prompting discussions and theories long after the movie ends. The existence of a book authored by the film’s fictional character further deepens the mystery surrounding Argylle, potentially setting the stage for future explorations in this vibrant universe.
Argylle is a testament to Matthew Vaughn’s innovative vision and his ability to transform the conventional spy thriller into a thrilling, genre-bending escapade. While it may fall short of being a genre-defining masterpiece, its blend of high-flying action, charismatic performances, and visual splendor ensures it’s a film that’s as enjoyable as it is memorable. Vaughn has created a world where spies are more than just shadows lurking in the dark; they’re vibrant characters in a technicolor world of intrigue and excitement. Argylle is not just a film to watch; it’s an experience to revel in.
For being a fun and thoroughly enjoyable experience with great performances and absurd and ridiculous action, I give Argylle a
7/10
*+1 point for the TMNT nod, if I found out that’s a coincidence I’m taking the point back.
Argylle releases in theaters on February 2, 2024!
About Argylle
Release Date: February 2, 2024
Directed by: Matthew Vaughn
Screenplay by: Jason Fuchs
Producers: Matthew Vaughn, Adam Bohling, Jason Fuchs, David Reid
Executive Producers: Adam Fishbach, Zygi Kamasa, Carols Peres, Claudia Vaughn
Genre: Fantasy Spy Thriller
Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill, John Cena, Dua Lipa, Bryan Cranston, Sofia Boutella, with Ariana DeBose and Catherine O’Hara and Samuel L. Jackson
Synopsis
The greater the spy, the bigger the lie.
From the twisted mind of Matthew Vaughn (Kingsman franchise, Kick-Ass) comes Argylle, a razor-witted, reality-bending, globe-encircling spy thriller.
Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic World franchise) is Elly Conway, the reclusive author of a series of best-selling espionage novels, whose idea of bliss is a night at home with her computer and her cat, Alfie. But when the plots of Elly’s fictional books—which center on secret agent Argylle and his mission to unravel a global spy syndicate—begin to mirror the covert actions of a real-life spy organization, quiet evenings at home become a thing of the past.
Are you excited to see how Matthew Vaughn transforms a star-studded cast into action icons in Argylle? Curious about how Bryce Dallas Howard and Sam Rockwell fare in their unexpected action roles? And what about that intriguing mid-credit scene – how do you think it ties into the film’s vibrant narrative? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on Discord!
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